ORPINGTON Rugby Club are rising from the ashes of the fire and theft that threatened their existence.

Thieves stole £4,000 before setting light to the clubhouse in the early hours of December 21.

One end of the building was destroyed and will be out of action for the rest of the season. But it hasn’t stopped Orpington playing on and they are now contemplating a complete redevelopment of their Leesons Way ground.

The club managed to stage their Christmas functions and New Year’s Eve celebration at the nearby Sanderson Hall and their annual Boxing Day game went ahead as planned.

Other clubs, including Beckenham, Old Beccehamians, Park House, Blackheath and the Kent RFU, rang to offer their support.

Oprington’s Trevor Martingell said: “We’re lucky the changing rooms were undamaged and 20 volunteers have stripped the clubhouse, put up a new ceiling, painted and rewired.

“The players, social members and local businesses have all got their hands dirty so the club can get up and running.”